Doing business in Singapore

UK Trade & Investment

Doing business in Singapore

Are you a member of a UK company wishing to export overseas? Interested in entering or expanding your activity in the Singaporean market? Then this guide is for you!
The main objective of this Doing Business Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Singapore; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and an introduction to other relevant issues. Novice exporters, in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the UKTI team in Singapore. Full contact details are available at the end of this guide.

Important Information Sanctions and Embargoes

Some countries maybe subject to export restrictions due to sanctions and embargoes placed on them by the UN or EU. Exporting companies are responsible for checking that their goods can be exported and that they are using the correct licences. Further information is available on GOV.UK

The purpose of the Doing Business guides, prepared by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to provide information to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The Reports contents were believed (at the time that the Report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by UKTI or its parent Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)) as to the accuracy of the Report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. In particular, none of the Reports contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by UKTI, the FCO or BIS for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the Report.

Content
Introduction Preparing to Export to Singapore How to do business in Singapore Business Etiquette, Language and Culture What are the challenges? How to Invest in Singapore Contacts Resources/Useful Links 4 8 9 12 13 14 15 16

Introduction
Singapore is a small but wealthy city-state, occupying a strategically vital location at the southernmost tip of Peninsular Malaysia, where major sea lanes between east and west converge. Singapores historic role as an entrepot and trans-shipment centre for the region has traditionally created opportunities across a broad spectrum of sectors. This globally connected, multi-cultural and cosmopolitan city state offers a conducive business environment, especially to creative and knowledge-driven businesses. Singapore is a model of economic development becoming an advanced, modern economy ranking 3rd globally in terms of GDP per capita. From independence in 1965, it achieved almost uninterrupted growth averaging nearly 8% per annum for over three decades. By the 1990s, it had GDP per capita levels similar to many OECD countries and was acknowledged widely as one of Asias tigers. The contrast between Singapore and some of its regional neighbours is all the more striking given its size and lack of natural resources. Singapore is totally reliant on human capital and has a workforce of 3.4 million. Foreign companies and workers contribute about 50% to GDP. However, given the openness of its economy, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to external shocks and was the first country in Asia to fall into recession in 2008. Although it was affected by the economic crisis and the slump in global demand hitting the export-dependent manufacturing industry particularly hard, Singapores economy made a remarkable V-shaped recovery in 2009, helped by a Resilience Package of S$20.5 billion (10 billion). After a record 14.8% expansion in 2010, the economy grew at a more moderated rate of 5.2% in 2011 and with the worldwide downturn continuing 1.3% in 2012. The Ministry of Trade & Industry have indicated a potential growth forecast for 2013 at 2.5-3.5%, given second quarter trade growth of 3.8% but set against the continued global economic uncertainty. Strengths of the market Singapore is: Ranked number one globally by the World Bank for Ease of Doing Business for the past seven years. Consistently tops the World Economic Forums Global Enabling Trade Index Political stability and sound macro-fundamentals An international financial centre and trading hub for the region, with excellent transport connectivity. An ideal springboard to South East Asia The UKs largest trading partner in South-East Asia and one of its largest export markets outside Europe. English is the official business language and Singapores legal system is based on British Common Law, providing strong IP protection. Singapore has the 2nd most protective IP regime in the world after Finland, according to the World Economic Forum. UK is the 3rd largest foreign direct investor in Singapore with over 700 UK companies based here. Opportunities in Singapore Singapore adopts a business-friendly taxation system and global businesses will find it advantageous to site their headquarters here. Companies will benefit from Singapores network of over 68 comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs), 38 Investment Guarantee Agreements and 19 Free Trade Agreements, (both bilateral and regional) which covers some 65% of trade. The EU completed negotiations for a FTA with Singapore in December 2012, with the agreement currently proceeding through the signing process. The FTA is set to bring UK-Singapore trade to an even higher level. Singapore is a leading provider of services such as international banking, trade finance, maritime finance, insurance, treasury operations, and asset and wealth management within the region. Singapore is also fast emerging as an optimal destination for centralisation of services or shared services. Centralising activities such as ICT, finance and logistics, offers benefits such as lower operating costs, consistent services levels and enhanced productivity.

Singapore is also one of the worlds largest transhipment centres with 44% of imports re-exported. There are opportunities for British exports in almost all commercial sectors, in particular: Biomedical Sciences / Healthcare Creative Industries / Arts & Entertainment Education and Training Environment Financial Services (4th global financial centre) High-end manufacturing (electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, bio-technology, medical devices) Infrastructure Development Oil & Gas R&D Tourism/tourism-related services

In addition, there are other sectors which present good opportunities for business, including: ICT, Education & Training, Pharmaceuticals, Creative & Media, Marine, Construction and Aerospace. Trade between UK and Singapore Singapore is now the UKs 12th largest goods export market outside the EU. In 2012, UK goods exports to Singapore rose 16% over 2011, to 4.24 billion. Imports from Singapore declined 5% over the same period, to 3.63 billion. Singapore is also the UKs 5th largest services export market outside the EU in 2012 (worth 3.7 billion). It is the UKs largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. The UK is the 3rd largest foreign direct investor in Singapore (after the US and Netherlands), with a stock worth S$56 billion (28 billion) in 2011. There are over 1000 UK companies here, including Barclays, BP, GSK, HSBC, PWC, Rolls-Royce, Standard Chartered, Shell, Tate & Lyle and Unilever. The UK is the top destination within the EU for Singapores foreign direct investment with a stock of S$37.1 billion (18.5 billion) in 2011. This represents over two thirds of all Singaporean investments into the EU. Singaporean investments in the UK are mainly in financial and insurance services, real estate and the info-communication industries. Trade statistics - Top 10 UK Exports to Singapore in 2012

Description million Power generating machinery & equipment 1,686 Beverages 369 Road vehicles (including air cushion vehicles) 230 General industrial machinery & eqp. 227 Professional, scientific & controlling ins & app 211 Miscellaneous manufactured articles 198 Medicinal & pharmaceutical products 163 Elec machinery, app & appliances 140 Other transport equipment 108 Machinery specialized for particular industries 95
Economic Overview Post independence, the building blocks of Singapores economy were trade, manufacturing, shipbuilding, ship repair and oil refining. Singapore is now the worlds 2nd busiest port by container volume and tonnage (after Shanghai) and its refineries make it one of the largest oil-refining centres in Asia. In response to global competition, including lower manufacturing costs in neighbouring countries, Singapore shifted the focus to higher value-added services catering to a global knowledge-based economy. The attention is now on research and development, info-communication, e-business, media, digital entertainment and life sciences.

Singapore increasingly serves as a hub for South East Asia across an extensive range of financial and business services. The services sector makes up over two-thirds of GDP share, dominated by financial and business (13.1% in 2012) and retail (5.6%). Singapore is the 4th global financial centre after London, New York and Hong Kong, and the 2nd largest wealth management centre after Switzerland. There are now over 7000 MNCs in Singapore, covering a broad spectrum of industries, 60% of which have established either a regional or global HQ function here. Currently, SMEs contribute 50% of Singapores GDP and 60% of the labour force. Population Singapore is a multinational city-state with a diverse population of 5.3 million, consisting mainly of Chinese (74%), Malays (13%) and Indians (9%). Singapore has no natural resources and is dependent on its human capital. Non-residents make up about 1.39 million of the population which includes around 32,000 British residents. Population density is amongst the highest in the world at around 7,257 per km2, with home ownership high at 88.6%. In January 2013, the Government announced a population white paper including proposals for a high quality living environment for all Singaporeans Population white paper and key measures in the 2013 budget aimed at reducing its heavy dependence on foreign workers, while encouraging companies to raise productivity. Political Overview Singapore is a republic within the Commonwealth. It has an elected President. The Peoples Action Party (PAP) has governed Singapore since internal self-government in 1959. Lee Kuan Yew, who led the country since 1959, stood down as Prime Minister in 1990. He was succeeded by Goh Chok Tong, who stood down himself in 2004, to be succeeded in turn by the current Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yews son. In the General Election in May 2011, the PAP won 81 of the 87 seats with the Workers Party (WP) gaining the rest. Getting here and advice about your stay FCO Travel Advice The FCO provides travel advice to help you prepare for your visits overseas and to stay safe and secure while you are there. For advice please visit the .GOV website. Getting here Singapore is within easy reach to all key points in the region, as an international crossroad in South East Asia and with half of the worlds population within a seven hour flight time. Upon arrival, your flight will land at Changi Airport, which is recognised as one of the best airports in the world, with over 98 airlines serving 205 cities in 60 countries. Changi Airport is located in the east of Singapore, and is 30 to 40 minutes away from the High Commission by car, depending on traffic. Singapore is the worlds 2nd busiest port. Passenger lines serve Singapore from Europe, Australia, USA, India and Hong Kong. There are about 200 shipping lines with links to over 600 ports in over 120 countries and 140,000 vessels call into Singapore annually. Travelling by road and rail is only possible when travelling from Malaysia. It takes approximately 5 hours to drive by taxi or private car from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore on the NorthSouth Highway. There are two crossings to Malaysia, the Causeway to Johor Bahru and the Tuas Link. Long distance bus companies also operate between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Visas You dont normally need a visa to enter Singapore for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business discussions or social visits but should hold a valid passport which is valid for at least six months after the date of entering Singapore. Your stay Getting around Singapore is effortless: the public transportation system is amongst the best in the world with the air conditioned Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system and an extensive network of buses operating throughout Singapore. Taxis are reasonably priced. Very few visitors rent cars. The Singapore Tourism Board website http://www.stb.gov.sg and the public transport web page http://www.publictransport.sg provide further information to help you plan your trip. Singapore has strict laws against littering, which is subject to fines of between S$1,000 to S$2,000 and a stint of corrective work order cleaning in a public place for repeat offenders. The import, sale and possession of chewing gum is prohibited in Singapore. Eating and food in general is a large part of Singaporean culture with a large range of choice from around the globe. Eating in Hawker markets and food courts is generally good and cheap. However in air conditioned restaurants and bars you can expect to pay upwards of 10.00 for a main dish and 6.00 for a pint of beer.

Preparing to Export to Singapore

Singapore is an international financial centre and the trading hub for the region. Its population is cosmopolitan, well educated and well travelled. It is generally an easy place to do business and what would be considered normal business behaviour in the UK will almost invariably be acceptable in Singapore. UK businesses are advised to research the market and the companies they intend to contact. Singapore has high internet penetration and much information is readily available on government and corporate websites. You should plan your visit, organising appointments before departure. Follow up with telephone calls on arrival to confirm availability. It is advisable to arrange a market discussion with the relevant Senior Trade & Investment Officer at the High Commission. However, UK businesses must not expect to do businesses immediately or necessarily on the first visit to Singapore. UKTIs team in Singapore can provide a range of services to UK-based companies wishing to grow their business in the Singaporean market. These services include the provision of market information, validated lists of agents/potential partners, key market players or potential customers; establishing the interest of such contacts in working with your company; and arranging appointments. In addition, the UKTI team in Singapore can also help organise seminars, or other events for you to meet contacts or promote your company and its products/services.

You can commission these services under which are chargeable and operated by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to assist British-based companies wishing to enter or expand their business in overseas markets. Under this service, the Embassy's Trade & Investment Advisers, who have wide local experience and knowledge, can identify business partners and provide the support and advice most relevant to your company's specific needs in the market.

To find out more about commissioning work, please contact your local UKTI office.

How to do business in Singapore

What companies should consider when doing business Singapore is in some ways more conservative than the UK; good manners and more formal forms of address are essential. When making initial contact with a business, try to aim high - you may end up being passed on to a subordinate but if you start lower down the company structure it can prove difficult to gain access to senior decision makers. Although Singapore is a price sensitive market, the current exchange rate makes UK products and services more attractive. Singapore is also an excellent test-bed for the wider Asia Pacific region, the growth market of the future. Gateways/Locations Key areas for business Thanks to its geographical location, its port, airport and deregulated telecommunications, Singapore is a regional centre for practically every commercial activity: transhipment, warehousing, distribution, procurement, financial and business services to name some of the most important. The links Singapores Chinese business community has with its counterparts in the region have reinforced these advantages. Trading links with Malaysia and Indonesia are strong and established. The emerging markets of China, Indochina and India (Singapore has a significant Indian community), have become key areas of activity. Most of the multinational corporations based here use Singapore as their regional HQ, some of which cover a geography reaching from the Indian sub-continent, Japan and China to Australasia. Market entry and start up considerations Singapore has an excellent range of capable agents, representatives and potential partners who have the expertise and connections to enable them to penetrate local and regional markets. The choice of direct selling, an informal agency agreement, or a formal one will depend on the circumstances. Direct selling is advised where potential customers are few; a formal agency agreement is preferable where it is important to commit an agent to active promotion. Singapore offers a range of serviced offices, virtual offices, conference / meeting rooms, video conferencing and administrative secretarial support services to accommodate all business needs. These include ready to use executive office workspaces in the prime Central Business District (CBD). There are a number of incubators around Singapore that are supported by government grants, universities or private investment funds. Usually the incubator will provide companies with office space, utilities, shared office equipment, in return for an ownership stake in the company. Advertising & Sales Promotion The most successful types of advertising available in Singapore are television and radio commercials, advertisements published in daily newspapers and magazines and in specialised trade directories. British Exporters should consult their Singaporean representative before embarking on a comprehensive advertising campaign. There are some fifty advertising agencies in Singapore, some specialising in television, others in radio commercials and direct mailing. The Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore is the self-regulatory body of the advertising industry in Singapore. The ASAS Council comprises representatives from advertisers, advertising agencies, government agencies, media owners and other supporting organisations. British exporters are advised to consult their advertising agents before embarking on an advertising campaign. Internet usage is widespread with 74.2% of the population accessing the internet in 2012, the highest rate in SEA. The Infocomm Development Authority achieved the key milestone of deploying the Next Generation Broadband Network to 95% of the homes and businesses in 2012. Enterprises large and small now benefit from the ease of ultra high-speed broadband.

Customs and Regulations Singapore is essentially a free port with very few goods subject to duty or under control. Import duties are levied on such items as alcohol, tobacco, petroleum products, motor vehicles and certain products that are manufactured, or are to be manufactured in Singapore (e.g. cosmetics and furniture). Controlled items include animals, meat products, plants, arms, explosives, medicines, pharmaceuticals, films and telecommunications equipment. The duty rates applicable are either a percentage of the value of the goods or a specified amount per unit of quantity. 99% of all imports enter duty-free. Company law in Singapore is very similar to that in the UK. There is no restriction on the type of business that may be set up, but some such as financial services companies, chemical producers and motor manufacturers have to apply for special licences from the government/ Registrar of Manufacturers. All businesses must be registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). It is advisable to employ the services of a firm of solicitors, accountants or other specialist firms to attend to the formalities of registering a company. Taxes Singapore has one of the lowest Corporation tax rates in the world at 17% The top level of individual taxation has remained unchanged at 20% for more than three years now and is the third lowest rate in Asia pacific. The standard rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is currently 7%. For an overview of the Singaporean Tax System, see Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website. Responding to Tenders Singapore has an open and transparent procurement regime. The vast majority of public sector invitations for quotations and tenders are posted on the Singapore governments one-stop e-procurement portal, GeBIZ. Suppliers must register online to search for government procurement opportunities, download tender documents and submit bids. Recruiting and Retaining Staffing Singapore has a talented workforce that is ranked highly for productivity, work attitude and technical skills. Workers speak English proficiently and are constantly looking to upgrade their skills and knowledge. A host of worker-training and scholarship programmes makes this possible. For further information on Singapore's labour market, employment laws, recruitment services, and worker training and staff development schemes please see the EnterpriseOne website). Singapore welcomes specialist foreign talent. On average, it takes less than two weeks to get employment passes for foreign staff. If you require a specialist or manager to come to Singapore for a short-term project, approval can be issued in around three working days. Full details of the various kinds of employment passes, as well as dependency passes for family members, are available at the Ministry of Manpower website. Documentation Import /export permits are required from the Singapore Customs. The process of trade documents is handled electronically through Tradexchange, an electronic data interchange system implemented by Singapore Customs. Invoices must show an accurate description of the goods, quantity or weight, the country of origin, CIF value and commission/discount. Bills of Lading may be made out To Order. Metric units are used for weights and measures. For import of all goods (including controlled and non-controlled items) into Singapore, businesses are required to:

Legislation and Local Regulations

Obtain an IN Permit through TradeNet before goods are imported into Singapore, and Pay the duty and/or Goods and Services Tax (GST) due at the prevailing rate at the time of importation

Some countries subject certain high-technology items to export control. In such cases, the exporter may ask the Singapore importer to provide an Import Certificate and Delivery Verification (ICDV) so that the exporter can seek approval from his government authority to export these items. Items covered by an ICDV must be imported directly into Singapore and are not to be diverted to other countries. Importers can apply for an ICDV from Singapore Customs. Labelling and Packaging Regulations Some of the areas where labelling regulations are in force include food, medicines and cosmetics. Labelling of food products is governed by the Sale of Food Act. This requires all pre-packed food to indicate the name, ingredients, permitted colouring, quantity of contents, name and address of local manufacturer or importer and the expiry date of the product. Companies seeking further information can visit the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore website. The Sale of Food Act is available online. Packaging and labelling requirements for medicinal products are laid down in the Medicines Act. In general, a medicinal product in a container or package should not be labelled or marked in a way to falsely describe the product or mislead as to the nature or quality of the product or its uses and effects. Enquiries can be addressed to the Health Products Regulation Group, Health Sciences Authority. The Medicines Act is available online. Copies of both Acts covering food and medicine can be purchased online from Toppan Leefung Pte Ltd. Getting your Goods to the Market As an exporter of goods you will need to develop an understanding of various issues such as the legal and regulatory requirements your consignments have to comply with; paperwork involved; choosing the right mode of transport; protection for your goods; packaging; labelling; how freight forwarders can help you; rules for dangerous goods etc. Timely delivery of goods and services in Singapore is important. In some cases it may be worth considering employing a freight forwarder. Standards and Technical Regulation Singapores voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. The use of a transformer can convert the voltage to 110-120 volts AC, 60 cycles per second. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the 3-pin, square-shaped type, similar to the UK. International Direct Dialing is available at the General Post Office and the Comcentre. IDD calls can be made from numerous phone card and credit card phones located at post offices and around the city area. Phone cards are sold at Singapore Telecom service outlets, post offices, convenience stores and some retail shops. A 20% levy is normally imposed on IDD calls made from hotels. Intellectual Property Rights The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is the lead government agency that advises on and administers intellectual property (IP) laws, promotes IP awareness and provides the infrastructure to facilitate the development of IP in Singapore. As IP regulator and policy advisor, IPOS is committed to maintaining a robust and pro-business IP regime for the protection and commercial exploitation of IP. Singapore has a fully Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)-compliant Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) legislative and administrative regime. It is also a signatory to a number of major international conventions. On the policy front, IPOS works with economic agencies and the IP business community to formulate and review IP policies and practices. An area of IPOS' work that has become increasingly important is in leading negotiations on IP issues in Singapore's growing network of Free Trade Agreements with other countries. Further details are available on the IPOS website.

Business Etiquette, Language and Culture

Language Singapore is generally a straightforward place to do business and what would be considered normal business in the UK will almost invariably be acceptable in Singapore. There are four official languages in Singapore English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken. Translation and interpreting services are usually available at hotel business centres, but these services are unlikely to be required. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Meetings and Presentations Visiting (or name) cards are an essential part of business protocol. They should be presented with both hands and with the name facing the recipient. No elaborate bowing is necessary in formal business meetings. A firm handshake will suffice. When addressing Chinese people the family name is given first. For example, Mr Lee Tsien Sam would be addressed as Mr Lee. When addressing Malay people the first of their two family names is used. Singaporean Indians use a variety of conventions so it is advisable to use the family name. There are no restrictions or differences for female business travellers. Punctuality is important so effort should be made to arrive on time. Normal business attire consists of dark trousers, long-sleeved shirts and ties for men, and blouses, skirts or trousers for women. Due to the hot and humid weather, jackets are not usually required. Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance. Negotiations Singapore has a formal business culture with many rules of etiquette, which vary between the Chinese, Malay and Indian members of the population. Singaporeans are cautious and likely to make sure they are doing business with the right person. As a result, it is necessary to establish a good and genuine relation with a Singaporean counterpart to demonstrate your capabilities are good. Personal relationships and networking are important elements of doing businesses in Singapore. Status and hierarchy are important in Singapore business culture, where companies have a top-down structure. Decisions are nearly always taken by the senior management and subordinates avoid directly questioning or criticizing their superiors. Small talk is common at the outset of meetings; you may be asked questions about your family or other personal details this is usually not considered rude, but part of the getting-to-know you phase. Politely sidestep these if you do not wish to answer.

What are the challenges?

Given that Singapore is 8 hours ahead of GMT, companies need to maintain effective communications with their customers despite the time differential. This is particularly important given the emphasis that Singaporeans place on developing and maintaining relationships. Singapore is relatively high cost compared to its neighbours and has a tight labour market. Consequently, the government particularly encourages investment in high-tech, automated and capital intensive industries. Most recent investments have been of this nature, concentrating especially on life sciences, advanced engineering, petrochemicals and digital media. Companies whose activities require unskilled or semi-skilled labourers should be aware of the Foreign Workers Levy (payable for each overseas employee) and the quota system which limits the ratio of foreign workers to Singaporeans. Most labour intensive manufacturing has moved out of Singapore to lower cost markets in the region. By contrast, the Singaporean government actively encourages experts and other professionals, particularly in new technologies, to set up in Singapore. Getting Paid Terms of Payment Singapore has a sophisticated financial services sector and most forms of payment are accepted. The most common are: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Bank demand draft Telegraphic transfer Letters of credit (sight & term) Open account; and Collection basis

Prices are usually quoted in Singapore dollars.

How to Invest in Singapore

There are few restrictions on foreign ownership of companies and local equity participation is not required in businesses established in Singapore. These can be up to 100% owned by a foreign national or company. Financial Assistance Potential investors should initially seek the assistance from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). EDB is the statutory board responsible for promoting inward investment and is a one-stop agency which facilitates and supports investors in both manufacturing and services sectors, as they move up the value chain to achieve higher sustainable returns and seek out new business opportunities. EDB offers a range of financial and other incentive schemes under the following categories: Equipment and technology Business development Innovation, R&D and intellectual property Headquarters management Industry development Local government incentives.

Further details are available from EDB, which has an office in London.

Contacts
If you have a specific export enquiry about Singapore which is not answered by the information in this report, please contact: UK Trade & Investment Enquiry Service Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 500 Email: enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk If you prefer to contact the team in Singapore direct, contact: UK Trade & Investment Singapore British High Commission, 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919 Ian Turner Senior Trade & Investment Manager Tel: +65 6424 4200 Email: commercial.singapore@fco.gov.uk UK Trade & Investment Singapore can help you make the most of these opportunities and help you plan your approach to the market. You may find out more about the range of services available to UK companies trading internationally through your local International Trade Team. We hope that you have found this guide useful. For further information, please contact your International Trade Adviser or the UKTI team in Singapore.

Resources/Useful Links
Country Information: BBC Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/default.stm UK government around the world https://www.gov.uk/government/world Culture and communications: CILT National Centre for Languages - Regional Language Network in your area: http://www.cilt.org.uk/workplace/employer_support/in_your_area.aspx Kwintessential culture guides: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/ Customs & Regulations: HM Revenue & Customs: www.hmrc.gov.uk Export Control Export Control Organisation: https://www.gov.uk/about-the-export-control-organisation Export Finance and Insurance: UK Export Finance: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-export-finance Intellectual Property Intellectual Property Office www.ipo.gov.uk Market Access Market Access Database for Tariffs (for non-EU markets only): http://madb.europa.eu/madb/indexPubli.htm Standard and Technical Regulations: British Standards Institution (BSI): http://www.bsigroup.com/en/sectorsandservices/Disciplines/ImportExport/ National Physical Laboratory: http://www.npl.co.uk/ Trade Statistics: National Statistics Information: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/index.html UK Trade Info: https://www.uktradeinfo.co.uk/

Travel Advice
FCO Travel:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

GOV.UK: International Trade

GOV.UKs International Trade pages provide an overview of export basics including licensing, customs procedures, classifying and movement of goods, other regulatory information and export paperwork issues. It also introduces exporters to the UK Trade Tariff.
Essential reading for exporters!

Find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/browse/business/imports-exports

Produced by the UKTI Team in Contact: Ian Turner Email: ian.turner@fco.gov.uk Last Updated: October 2013
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